In Rwanda, firewood accounts for the majority of energy consumption and is the primary cooking fuel for 98% of rural households in the Kirehe District. The distribution of fuel-efficient cookstoves reduces the amount of wood burning, which means less harmful smoke, less indoor air pollution, and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

The burden of collecting firewood almost always falls on women and girls, as they are responsible for cooking family meals in most rural communities. Without nearby and safely accessible natural resources, women and girls often travel long distances to find sufficient firewood to cook for their families. The improved cookstoves in this project give time back to kids for learning and for women to undertake activities that generate additional income for their families, such as producing woven handicrafts to sell at the local markets.